WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Elizabeth W., for her comment that begins, “Karen, Iâ€™m a new subscriber to your blog, and enjoy it so much! Give Tabs a kiss on the head for me…” Congratulations, Elizabeth! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet.

Somewhere out there, perhaps right outside your window, the squirrel foreman of a nut collecting work detail is frantically squeaking orders to his crew, “Hurry, men! Winter’s coming! Leave no leaf unturned!”

Rise and shine, morning glory. Happy autumn. I hope you slept well.

I felt like kicking off this weekend with a giveaway, but it’s not the only open giveaway round these here parts. If after entering today’s giveaway you also take a moment to enter The 2011 Breast Cancer Awareness Month Sign Project and Giveaway, you could win a monumental $1,126 makeup prize (and it’s very easy to enter). Right now there aren’t many entries, and the odds of winning are about 500,000 times better than the lottery.

I’m just sayin’.

In other news, it’s supposed to be nice and sunny here today, and I plan to milk that for all it’s worth! Whatever you’re up to this weekend, I hope it’s sunny there and you get to spend some time outside.

Without further ado, it’s…

One (1) Sephora eGift card containing $50 sent to the winner by email (international readers, you may opt to receive $50 sent by PayPal instead).

There are two ways to enter, and you can do both of them for two chances to win. First, you can enter by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post, a comment about anything at all, like, what’s the weather like out there today? Have you ever baked a pumpkin pie (if you did, how’d it turn out)? Do you have any plans this year for Thanksgiving (happy Canadian Thanksgiving to y’all up north!) or Halloween? What was your best hair/makeup/outfit this past week? — you get the idea.

Second, you can enter by following me on Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:

Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win a $50 eGift Card from Sephora! http://bit.ly/r2CgCt

The deadline to enter is Sunday, October 9, 2011 at 11:59PM (PT).

Entrants must enter using a valid email address and/or Twitter account to win.

A maximum of two (2) entries per person — one within the comments at the bottom of this post, and a second entry via Twitter addressed to me @karenmbb.

Contest is open to individuals of any country who have reached the age of majority according to their local laws (18 in the United States with these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21).

Sephora eGift Certificates can only be redeemed online and are not valid in stores or available for purchase or redemption in Canada. International winners may opt to substitute the Sephora eGift card prize for $50 sent directly to their email address by PayPal instead.

Tabs and I (heretofore referred to as “T-Money and K-Dawg”) will select one (1) winner at random from the entries either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or addressed to @karenmbb on Twitter.

The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline.

Void where prohibited by law.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Elizabeth W., for her comment that begins, “Karen, Iâ€™m a new subscriber to your blog, and enjoy it so much! Give Tabs a kiss on the head for me…” Congratulations, Elizabeth! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet.

Gorgeous day today in Philly. Going to an 80′s themed birthday party tonight. So looking forward to it!! I printed out a picture from the internet of how I’m gonna try and do my makeup. Went to H&M and got some leg warmers and a totally 80′s looking shirt! Gonna have big hair (if it’s possible with the short hair that I have now). Listen to 80′s music all night. It’s gonna be totally rad and tubular!

My plans for US Thanksgiving are generally the same every year: visit the hubby’s family. I haven’t done anything for Canadian Thanksgiving since moving to the States though. Maybe I’ll fix that this weekend

hi karen! i’m super excited about your giveaway and also about fall being here! =D
i love the smell of fall and winter candles. i love that i can start dragging out all of my heavier perfumes (yummm… L by Lolita Lempicka). also i’m super happy to start using my fall colored nail polishes. lol

Greetings from Prague! Here the weather turned into really cold, but sunny, Fall is coming! And IÂ´m going to celebrate my first Halloween ever, as IÂ´m going to the US for a month, yaaay!!! I already have ideas for like 50 costumes, haha. What is your Halloween costume, by the way? Have a great fall, Karen, I love your blog (and IÂ´m a bit jealous of your beautiful boots;). Eva

I love fall! everything about fall, the weather, leaves changing colors, Getting closer to New years (my favorite) – New fall looks out in stores, It’s about that time to buy new fall clothing & accessories! , boots, coats, sweaters, scarfs, fall scents, all of that! – The weather here, has been rainy, cold, icky, (normal Washington state) but cute clothing & new beauty products never makes the day bother me!

Last year I attempted to make a pumpkin cheesecake for Thanksgiving. It came out delicious,but the recipe my sister found required sooooo many ingredients! It also took a lot of time to make. But it sure was g-o-o-d! This year I don’t think I’ll be putting my baking skills to work, I have a 7 week old son, so I have zero time for baking. Maybe my fam won’t notice if I buy one?

I like pumpkin pie but, truth be told, I prefer sweet potato pie for the texture. For the past couple of years I’ve been using Cook’s Illustrated recipe for pumpkin pie which calls for a combination of one can of pumpkin puree and one can of candied yams. It’s like the best of two (pie) worlds. I usually find pumpkin pie filling a little too wet, so their recipe is perfect for me

Speaking of sephora, there was a girl cashier at my area that had gorgeous bright pink hair. She had bright make up and was petite and sharp looking. she looked so chic I wanted her hair, so pretty or be able to dye my hair again but damn work places

Its beautiful here today! Going to enjoy it with kids outdoors for sure to make the most out of it!

Karen – I have been reading your blog for few weeks now since one of my ex-collegue introduced me to it…I absolutely love it and have learned lots of makeup tips from you as I am just a beginner:) Never wore much makeup in my early young years and now I really need it:) Not that I am getting any older:)) Haha

Hey Karen! Baking a pumpkin pie isn’t as hard as it seems! My grandmother taught me how to bake pies, especially pumpkin (my favorite!) when I was very young. I hope you give it a try and let us all know how it turns out – nothing feels better than baking something new! Such a cool accomplished feeling and El Hubz will definitely be happy too Have a great day!!!

Hi Karen! I just want to thank you for your blog and your giveaways. You are one of my favorite bloggers and Tabs is just the most amazing cat ever. Although you don’t know me you have helped brighten a lot of my dark days with your funny and beautiful posts. Thank you so much for the work that you put into your blog. I appreciate it so much and look forward to checking my google reader everyday to see new posts from you!Ashleigh Walls recently posted … #Coupon Giveaway! 3 Winners This Time!!

We’re doing one of my favorite fall things…apple picking! We’re from Los Angeles, so we drive about an hour east into the San Bernardino mountains where there’s this little town with lots of apple farms. My daughter and I love it!

My brother and I always made different pies for thanksgiving and he’d use premade everything and remained happy and festive. I’d try to hand make crust and all the stuff, so it’d take about 10x as long and by the time the pie was done, I’d just resent it.

Whatâ€™s the weather like out there today?
Sunny, beezy & cool.
Have you ever baked a pumpkin pie (if you did, how did it turn out)?
No, I hate pumpkin pie! Yuck.
Do you have any plans this year for Thanksgiving or Halloween?
Thanksgiving will probably be spent at husband’s grandma’s house, like most years. Not sure yet about Halloween – we might be moving in a couple of weeks & will therefore miss our friend’s yearly party. No ideas for costumes.
What was your best hair/makeup/outfit this past week?
I’ve been home sick this week, so my “best” day was yesterday because I actually washed my hair and put on clean sweats.

So yesterday, I just got over having a tummy virus for the past two days.. I had cabin fever after only two days! Two of my friends and I went to the city (Manhattan) and we went to chipotle! I didnt think it was right if I had mexican food after having a tummy virus so I got soup at Au Bon Pain instead. But what I was most excited for was going to Sephora and MAC! I really wanted to get the NARS Orgasm Blush but it was $27 and I was determined to find something similar for a little less! The lady at Sephora was like “You didn’t hear this from me but at MAC they have a blush called ‘Peachykeen’ that is very similar for cheaper”. So i ran over to MAC and picked it up.. it’s great! I love it! Its not AS shimmery as the Nars but it’s still really great, and I’m so happy I bought it.. And That was my day:)

Hi Karen! Just wanted to say I started following your blog about a month ago and I love it! You’re just too cute and I love reading about your opinion.. and plus, I’m a cat momma like you! My little guy’s name is Turbo and he’s not a fashion expert like yours but oh so adorable.. and fussy! He never fails to let me know if he’s unhappy. Anyways, it’s almost Thanksgiving here in Canada, and I have a lot to be thankful for this year.. I hope you do too! Have a great and blessing-filled Thanksgiving!

We don’t celebrate Halloween (Unless it’s the clubs/pubs/bars) or even Thanksgiving here Would be awesome to try and experience it properly at least once, though for me any day when my family is together and we have gatherings it’s awesome as it is, even if it’s for no reason at all

Yes, every Thanksgiving, I make my own pumpkin pies…well, ever since a few years ago. Before that, I didn’t know how easy it is. But I cheat a bit and use the pumpkin-pie filling and a frozen pie shell. Always turns out delicious. This year I’m tempted to make it from scratch, though.Swatch And Learn recently posted … Slatkin & Co. Cinnamon Sugared Donut Candle Review & Pictures

I’m feeling overwhelmed lately! Work has been busy and I was out of town visiting family last week… I just got home Wednesday to desperately play catch up at work and then I have family in town AGAIN this weekend. I can’t wait to have a day where I don’t have to do ANYTHING!

The closest to pumpkin pie that I have ever made is the pumpkin swirl cheesecake I make every Thanksgiving. My husband loves it. I personally like it better than straight up pumpkin pie. It’s a must if you love both pies, you get the best of both worlds!!!

I just came back from vacation in Newcastle, UK. Hate coming back! Loved it there! Such stylish,polite people! I bought the Naked palette there, makeupwise…. I am so depressed I came back I don’t like it here!

I started baking pumpkin pies every fall two years ago when my family and I realized that we never loved any of the pumpkin pies we bought. Yep, we’re picky. Now we buy a pumpkin, cut it up, cook it, mash it, mix it with other ingredients and pre-buy crust ’cause we’re lazy. Then we cook it and it is DELICIOUS! I like extra cinnamon in my pie!

it’s starting to get cold around here in Vancouver! although thankfully, it’s not raining today, :D. sadly, I have no Halloween plans this year, but am looking forward to seeing everyone else’s costumes. this week, I bought a MAC lipstick in “velvet teddy” on impulse, and I’m so glad I did b/c I’m already in love with it.

Omgsh that sign is super cute! Did you make the sign yourself? I can’t tell if you used Sharpie or not, but if so, I’m super jealous you can write like that! As for Breast Cancer Awareness, you know how Yoplait has pink ribbon lids? I always save them and register the code listed under each of them! Everyone should do that, too! It only takes literally like 10 seconds!

I helped take care of a sick rough-legged hawk this morning and am releasing a great horned owl next week. Therefore, I do not mind the fact that it is snowing and it isn’t even Halloween yet. I hope you have an awesome weekend!

Yes I have baked quite a few pumpkin pies. I haven’t done it in awhile. I did make good pies. I learned everything from my Mother. She was one of the best bakers. She was an all around good cook. Thanks.

I’ve never baked anything…..I dislike the strict “rules” of baking. But, I LOVE cooking! I made an entire Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner last year! (All vegetarian, and my carnivorous family loved it all!!)

I’ve never been the hugest fan of pumpkin pie. I much prefer butternut squash to pumpkin flavor wise, so I guess the pumpkin shortage I keep hearing about won’t be as big a deal for me as the pumpkin-lovers of the world.. lol.

I suppose my comment about anything at all should be about how much I love wearing OPI’s Pink shatter for BCA Month! Seriously, Karen, I think you should check this out because I love the work you do for this month, and it means a lot to everybody.AnieJ recently posted … OPI Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Shatter Polish

Yay giveaway! It is sunny and warmish here in Charleston Still cool enough to wear jeans and a long sleeved shirt, which is my jam. I am a cold weathered girl! I’m wearing NARS Outremer which I think is the best pigmented blue. It looks so primary blue in the pan, but once you get it on your lids, it almost has a purplish tinge to it! I love this color. It’s versatile enough to wear as a subtle cat eye, liner, or you could go out and do a full blown club look that Karen so beautifully demonstrated

Question: are winners contacted directly by email or do they have to constantly check at original blog entry to see if their name is announced? Just wondering!

I finished my essays last night and now I’m getting them critiqued by my friends and family! Since I’m pretty much done, I got MAC Dubonnet lipstick and MAC Feline eye kohl and I’m wearing them both right now. I feel so glam

I think it may be a rough winter- lots of squirrel activity in my neighborhood, I even had one jump on my windowsill this morning, they are definetly on the hunt for goodies. By the way, I saw a white squirrel in FL last week! I couldn’t believe it. I consider it pretty rare since I’ve seen a black squirrel only twice in all of the years I’ve lived in the northeast.

It has been raining here for the past two days. My hair looks pathetic, so I am sitting at the computer with conditioner slathered all over my hair. Surfing the net and found some interesting things here on your site Karen!! Cheers to all

Karen i love your sense of humour and i keep notes on your english cause im trying to move to UK but my english is pretty much terrible, so your blog is something like interlingua for begginers to me Thanks a lot and keep doing your amazing job.. informative & funny!

I always try to make plans for halloween to do anything but trick or treating.. but that’s what I always end up doing with my friends. Something about free candy just makes everything so much better (: haha. College students still trick or treat ! (:

Omg the weather here in the Chgo area has been BEAUTIFUL all week! Simply perfect in the low 80s and the leaves are turning gorgeous shades!! Enjoying while we can…predictions say we are in store for another monsterous snow season. Hope “they” are wrong!

I’ve never made a pumpkin pie, but I’ve made several pumpkin cheesecakes. The recipe was from America’s Test Kitchen, and it’s incredibly delicious! (And mind you, i don’t really like pumpkin pie, and i’m not too keen on cheesecake in general. This recipe is amazing.)

Love your blog. Not much of a baker, but love to cook. This is my favorite time of the year, Halloween and Thanksgiving and holiday time. Its beautiful seeing this time of the year with my children’s eyes.

Thanksgiving is the day before my birthday this year, so I’ll be spending the day with my family, eating my birthday pumpkin pie, and gearing up for my birthday on black friday, which is always an insane day for my deal-hunting family.

It is POURING in South Florida right now. We’re on flood watch until tomorrow night. At least its like 10 degrees cooler than it’s been all summer! I can’t wait for it to start cooling down and even getting kind of chilly (we only ever get KIND of chilly..not real chilly or cold, down here)!

Tonight, I saw an animal comedy circus act, with a bunch of rescue cats, dogs, a parrot, a few rats, some geese and a couple of pigeons. I was very impressed with the main guy’s ability to make 12 cats stay seated on their cute little stools on stage, and be very well behaved the whole time. Very very cute!

Hey there! I’m really excited for Halloween ’cause next comes Thanksgiving, and then CHRISTMAS! I love cold weather and so, I love the fall/winter! My go-to fall color is always purple/plum and my look today reflected that with the purple Essence gel liner that you introduced me to (thanks)! Those liners are awesome, stay put ALL DAY, and the price is so right! =)

Found this website by googling “beauty blogs” and this is the first one that popped up
My husband started his new job this past Thursday. Note: He was laid off in July. This is a huge blessing since American jobs are tough to obtain right now.
Tonight, it’s rainy (love it) and chilly. It’s October and in Texas that means we may not see any cold weather for a little while longer. Le sigh

I really really can’t wait for Fall weather to start! I want to see the colorful leaves on the ground and watch the wind play with them, swirling them around =D and the rains begin to fall and all you can hear is the beat of rain against your window while you sit on the couch with someone you love covered with a blanket and drink tea =)

Hi Karen! It’s Thanksgiving here! Me and Bf aren’t doing anyhing special; thanksgiving is not as important a holiday here as it is in the States I think.
The weather is super, super nice, global-warming style: 19 degrees celcius for october 9th: here, it’s a miracle!
Thanks
Eli

We’ve been having clasic fall weather the past few days: clear, windy, and warm(ish) with a nip in the air when you’re out of the sun. It’s log sleeves but no jacket in the day, bundle up at night weather. I love it.Liz recently posted … MAC Dark Envy Fluidline

heyyy. For this halloween I’m planning on being a native american and I’ve been testing out makeup loks to find the right one. This thanksgiving Im going to Mexico with a bunch of my family and I’m so exicted!

I have never baked a pumpkin pie, except for frozen pies. If that’s what you call baking. I would love to learn how to bake a pie from scratch. Pumpkin Spice coffee is delicious, fall is my favorite time of year.

I am taking part in Ulta’s cut-a-thon on October 16th where you pay a $10 minimum for a cut, shampoo and style and all the proceeds go to Breast Awareness! I encourage anyone else who is interested to take part and give to an excellent cause!

This has been possibly the worst week of my life. I vaguely remember trying to make a tofu pumpkin pie long ago. . . but though I’m not a huge sweets person, I’ll stick with the real thing. My dad makes the best pumpkin pie ever!

I just tried McDonald’s pumpkin pie, and like the glutton I am – loved it! It has the same yummy crust as the apple pie but with a nice smooth pumpkin filling. I am looking forward to fall makeup looks, beautiful boots and bangin’ scarves

I just got CO2 laser resurfacing done Friday to treat my acne scars so I have been sitting at home all weekend trying not to scratch or look at my horribly swollen and red face. A $50 gift card to Sephora would surely perk up my day

Loving all the fall/ Halloween decor everywhere! still deciding what I want to dress up as, so much make up and costume ideas now I just have to wait for it to get cooler outside, or as cool as miami could get!

It’s raining in Houston, so it’s a good day for me! We really got soaked. I just got back from having dinner with my baby cousin; she’s two now and it’s been about a year since I’ve seen her. The thing that’s grown most about her is her hair. She’s got a mullet going on with these unruly curls, lol.

Was very excited to get the Half Wild and Idyllic paint pots this week – did a purple smokey eye with Half Wild, UD Black Palette’s Jet, and UD 24/7 pencil in Zero paired with Korres lip butter in Jasmine for a nude lip. Fast, easy, fabulous =)

AROUND THE WEB

Unsung Heroes!

Featured MBB reader of the week: kwmechelle!

Guurl! Thanks for all the '90s hip-hop refs and our fun conversations about bronzer. One day that CoverGirl Queen Collection Bronzer will be mine... IT WILL BE MINE!!!
I've really enjoyed getting to know you in the comments and hearing about your adventures with your niece and nephew. Flute BFFs forever. GO BAND GEEKS! :)